10 Firsts For Every Dog Owner

Getting your first dog is definitely an experience. Whether you bought, adopted, inherited, or found your dog lost and shivering … getting used to sharing your home and even your life with your very first pet is a challenge. It can be the hardest thing you’ve ever done, but ultimately the most rewarding.

Your dog is your best friend, but before that your dog is your baby. Owners have to deal with the craziness that comes with trying to transition into a relationship with their new dog.

1.) The First Sleep

The first night with your dog is often a struggle. And that’s putting it mildly. Sleeping in your home is a new experience for your dog, and sometimes that means that no actual sleeping happens. That first night with all the crying and whining and you saying please be quiet I need to sleep is probably a pet owner’s least favorite memory. Regardless, it’s a challenge that you must overcome. If you can survive sleep deprivation at the hands (or paws) of a small four legged fur ball, then you’re on your way to a very special friendship!

2.) The First Cuddle

With negatives, come positives. And cuddling is definitely one of the positives that come with being a dog parent. After the first night you and your dog will be tired enough that you’ll probably end up cuddling for an afternoon nap at some point. It’s a moment of pure togetherness that begins the formation of the bond with your pet. That first cuddle is one of the most amazing moments of having a dog, and you’re reminded of it with each cuddle that follows

3.) The First Mess

Walking in to that gigantic mess is one of those stomach dropping feelings that no one particularly enjoys. It may take some time to get over whatever pillows, shoes, clothes, or pieces of furniture your dog chewed through … but you will. And the sooner you accept that dogs are dogs, and that dogs make messes, the easier it will be. Remember, patience is a virtue. Even the cutest of the cute dogs make mistakes.

4.) The First Bath

Movies like to paint this experience as pure fun, but that’s not always the case. Just like children, dogs don’t awlays enjoy bath time. And sometimes that can mean a trail of soapywater throughout the house. But this struggle is just another opportunity to earn your dog’s trust. Your struggles will pay off!

5.) The First Separation Anxiety

Leaving your dog alone for the first time is heartbreaking. You feel as if you’re their whole world. What are they going to do without you? Will they cry all day? Will they run away? Will they destroy the other side of the couch? Chances are your pup is going to spend the day sleeping and waiting for you to get home. Breathe. A little separation is a good thing.

6.) The First (Sometimes Uncoordinated) Leash Walk

The first walk can be a little challenging, especially if your new dog isn’t used to a leash. But don’t worry, your pup will eventually get the hang of it. Getting your dog on the leash for a first time is an adventure. The area you walk them in will undoubtedly be very new to them, so you get to experience it through their eyes, as you both trudge along the sidewalk. This is what being a pet parent is all about. Watching, loving, and adjusting your life to the needs of your new best friend.

7.) Successfully Teaching Them Their First Trick

They’re learning! And you’re helping them. Whether it’s learning to sit, shake hands, or even something as simple as learning to wait by the door when they have to use the bathroom …it’s all proof that you’re a teacher. This is one of those proud parent moments that sometimes calls for a photo, as well as a cheerful facebook post. Enjoy it. There are plenty more to come!

8.) The First Vet Trip

The first trip to the vet is the ultimate test of trust. No dog particularly enjoys going to see their doctor, but it is necessary. Being by your pup’s side and helping him your to stay calm during his first trip to the vet is an experience. A loud, chaotic, and sometimes messy experience. Don’t fret, your vet is used to this, and will help you along the way. Plus, it’ll only take a treat or two to get back on your dog’s good side.

9.) The First Introduction

Whether it’s your parents, significant other or even best friend … introducing your new dog to the important people in your life is one of the best pet firsts. Your dog tends to sense when people are important to you, and therefore will love them as much as you do. Watching your dog become best friends with your best friend is definitely a moment that may call for tissues.

10.) The First Love

Saying I love you is not unusual for most dog owners. It’s just a common phrase. But that first moment where you can look into your dog’s eyes and feel the unconditional love is a powerful one. No matter what shoes they chew or how late they keep you up … this is your dog and you are your dog’s human. It’s an amazing experience, so buckle up because it’s an awesome ride.

Sign up to get your daily dose of cute puppy pics

Related posts

Having a bad day? It’s okay, we’ve all been there.
But no matter how bad you feel, it doesn’t compare to these pups who just may be having the worst dog day of their lives.
1.) This doggo doesn’t quite understand the math behind...

So we all have some friends that people might consider weird … and so do some dogs! It’s actually not entirely uncommon for dogs to befriend different species. You’ve seen it happen before with house cats, sometimes even house birds, but this...

Here we present a dog for every month of the year. What month do you think your dog embodies? Is it the warmth of July’s sun? Maybe a snowy December? Either way, enjoy these pup photos that you can easily save and set as your background or...

Here comes the bride, all dressed in white. Except, wait … is that a dog? Is the groom a dog too? Is the cake made of kibble? Oh man, are we at a dog wedding?
That’s exactly what it is.
Dog weddings have become more popular in recent...

Service dogs aren’t like your average dogs. No, they’re trained from birth to perform a very specific and important set of duties. From mobility dogs to PTSD therapy dogs there are several different kinds of service dog and they all have a job...

1.) Smiley The Therapy Dog
Born in a puppy mill almost 14 years ago, Smiley is a golden retriever that has defied the odds. Inbreeding left him with a condition that caused bad eyes, oversized teeth and several other disproportions. But did...

With the new comedy feature film The Boss Baby having just hit theaters, we’re here to ask the question that drives the films premise: Are babies cuter than dogs? Are dogs cuter than babies?
The plot of this film follows Tim, a young boy who...

Celebrities, they’re just like us. They love dogs. In fact, they love dogs so much that they fill their Instagram feeds, Twitter pages, Facebook walls, and entire homes with pictures of their beloved pooches.
Here’s a few celebrities and...

Can you imagine sitting at your desk, stressed out beyond belief, when suddenly a wet dog nose paws at your side? Now this may already be a reality for those of you who work with dogs, but for others, it’s a dream come true. (Listen, you can only...

Easter is right around the corner, meaning it’s time for bunnies, eggs and all the pastel colors one could desire. We humans aren’t the only ones who love this time of year…our dogs love it too! So here are seven, yes seven, dogs that are...

Not all heroes wear capes. In fact, not all heroes wear clothes … or stand on two feet … or have hands … Anyway anyway. We love our dogs, because they are cute, cuddly and always ready to love us unconditionally. After a bad day, there’s...

It’s that time of year again. Love is in the air and cupid’s taken out his bow and arrow. And whoever said love was just for humans?? Check out these 7 pups that found love this Valentine’s Day.
#1 Puppy Love
These little pugs...

If you’ve ever wondered if dogs can really fall in love, by the end of this list I’m sure all your doubts will be gone. Check out these eight dogs that fell hard for one another.
#1 Literally Falling In Love
“You jump, I jump, Jack.”
#2...

10. Cosmo from Fuller House
Replacing the original sitcom’s golden retriever named Comet, Cosmo definitely had big shoes to fill. In the revival series from Netflix, Cosmo gets his chance at stardom and wins all of our hearts in season one and...

There is nothing better to get JINGO! in the spirit than cute dogs enjoying the holiday season.
1. This Snow-Kissed Fluff Ball
This little Shiba Inu is lovin’ the snow and totally rockin’ that scarf. Someone’s ready to build a...

It’s the holiday season! The time to do all the things good, fun and festive. Here’s a list of five things you and your pooch can do to really get into the Christmas spirit this year!
1. Look @ Some Lights Together.
Take a nighttime walk,...

Russians launched Laika into space on Nov. 2, 1957. Since then humans have sent numerous dogs into orbit, and returned them safely, successfully, and slobbery. In honor of these courageous canines, here are some of our favorite and most famous Space...

Special seasonal movies are arguably one of the greatest parts of any holiday, and Halloween is no exception! There are tons of films dedicated to Halloween, and they range from scary to silly. On top of that, a lot of these movies feature our four...

How and when did wild wolves turn into domestic pets? Science tells us that humans were behind the domestication of what is now man’s best friend—but the timeline of the transformation has always been mysterious. In this video, Atlantic science...

1. They look like the canine furballs who love them
2. They are great to snuggle
3. They offer comfort during bed time
4) They are great to play with
5) They can be carried anywhere and everywhere
6) Dogs love toys in general
7....

In the coming weeks and days records will fall in Rio at the 2016 Summer Olympics with each stunning athletic feat. JINGO!’s “Canine Olympiad” will be no different, as it offers us a time to celebrate paw-fect pup-formance. Truth be told, the...

Are you looking for pet holidays that recognize the special role that dogs, and other pets play in our lives? You’ve come to the right place. This extensive calendar, features fun pet holidays as well as serious pet awareness days, weeks and...

There is by all accounts no restriction to what 3-D printers can make, with individuals making everything from outfit props to functioning guns. For all we know printing human organs might be on the horizon! Meanwhile one Chihuahua puppy is...

Parents often consider giving their child a pet as a present for Christmas, a birthday, or other occasion. Letting your child have a pet is a decision that should be met with careful thought. Instead of just running out and getting one, sites like...